Recent Visitors

The Magic of Fish Oil… Is It Hype or a Fact?

April 8, 2008

We have heard about the benefits of fish oil. Touted as a magic pill to protect the heart. They are found on the shelves of supermarkets and health stores. The problem with fish oil supplements is that as supplements the content of the drug is not regulated by the FDA and therefore the quality cant be tested.

Recently the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, March 2008 published a timely article that tackles the issue of fish oil…are the benefits really real? and are they worth becoming part of the drug therapy against heart disease?

So furthermore, the data based on the review article suggest and recommend:

Patients should consume both DHA and EPA.

The target DHA and EPA consumption levels are about 1 g/d for those with known coronary artery disease and at least 500 mg/d for those without disease.

Patients with hypertriglyceridemia benefit from treatment with 3 to 4 g/d of DHA and EPA, a dosage that lowers triglyceride levels by 20% to 50%.

Although 2 meals of oily fish per week can provide 400 to 500 mg/d of DHA and EPA,

Secondary prevention patients and those with hypertriglyceridemia must use fish oil supplements if they are to reach 1 g/d and 3 to 4 g/d of DHA and EPA, respectively.

Combination therapy with omega-3 fatty acids and a statin is a safe and effective way to improve lipid levels and cardiovascular prognosis beyond the benefits provided by statin therapy alone.

Blood DHA and EPA levels could one day be used to identify patients with deficient levels and to individualize therapeutic recommendations.

But dont just grab any fish oil in the market because what is sold in the health food stores have not been validated to contain the amount stated on the label. Ask your physician if you will start taking fish oil and if it will not interfere with the other drugs you are currently taking.

What is important is that evidence for now has shown it to be beneficial….